COVID-19 Financial Assistance Programs

The coronavirus (COVID-19) state of emergency has created uncertainty regarding unemployment, loss of benefits, and other assistance programs. Here are some resources and information that could be beneficial for family members, direct support professionals (DSPs), and agency providers.

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services

If a person removes themselves from employment, as opposed to an employer or medical professional, they would not be eligible for benefits. Cases are fact-specific and thee Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) makes the final determination.

Unemployment benefits are available only if you are unemployed. Employees on Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) assistance through their employer are not considered unemployed.

File online at unemployment.ohio.gov, 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Service may be limited during nightly system updating. Check the website for available services. Please be sure to follow the instructions. If you do not have access to a computer, visit your local library where computers are available for public use. Please note that your local library may be closed or have reduced hours due to COVID-19. Learn more about public Wi-Fi hotspots.

This is a voluntary layoff aversion program that allows workers to remain employed and employers to retain their staff during times of reduced business activity. The participating employee works a reduced number of hours each week, and ODJFS provides eligible people with unemployment insurance benefits proportionate to their reduced hours.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. The Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) administers and enforces the new law’s paid leave requirements. These provisions will apply from the effective date through December 31, 2020.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) partnered with its stakeholders to create a guide that can be used to provide immediate and long-term assistance to rural communities affected by the state of emergency.

The National Disability Institute offers resources and assistance to help people with disabilities and chronic health conditions navigate financially through the COVID-19 pandemic. The available resources and assistance are broken into six groups: COVID-19 Stimulus, Employment and Unemployment, Public Benefits, Managing Money, Housing Food and Healthcare, and Scams.